Home » Car Reviews » Buick
Buick Enclave mid-size, near-luxury, crossover sport utility vehicle SUV2008 Buick Enclave - enlargeBuick is the entry-level, luxury brand of General Motors. Since the late 1990s, Buick has suffered a down turn in sales forcing the brand to market only three models.
Its current lineup starts out with the 2008 Buick Enclave near-luxury, mid-size, crossover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV or CUV) which is available in four trim levels the CX Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive (MSRP $33,505 - $35,540, Invoice $31,375 - $33,278), and the CXL Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive (MSRP $35,740 - $37,775, Invoice $33,465 - $35,367). Both come equipped with a 275-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine, manual-shift auto six-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive system. The Enclave competes with the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Ford Taurus X, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Lexus RX 350, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Saturn Outlook, Toyota Highlander and the Volvo XC90.
Next is the 2008 Buick LaCrosse mid-size, near-luxury sedan. It is available in four trim levels. The trim levels are the CX (MSRP $24,475, Invoice $23,170), CXL (MSRP $26,505, Invoice $25,088), CXS (MSRP $28,540, Invoice $27,012), and SUPER Trims with a V8 engine (MSRP $32,605, Invoice $30,853). The LaCrosse CS and CXL come with a 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine. The CXS comes with a 240-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 and the SUPER TRIMS comes with a 300-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 engine. All versions come with four-speed automatic transmissions, and a front-wheel drive system. It competes with the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Dodge Avenger R/T, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Azera, Infiniti G35, Kia Amante, Lexus EX350, Lincoln MKZ, Mazda MAZDA6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercury Milan, Mercury Sable, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G6 and G8, Saab 9-3, Saturn Aura, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S40 and S60.
Last in the line up is the 2008 Buick Lucerne full-size, near-luxury sedan, which is the automaker's replacement for the Buick LeSabre and Buick Park Avenue. The Lucerne is available in three trims starting with the CX (MSRP $27,520, Invoice $26,048), the CXL (MSRP $30,165, Invoice $28,548), and lastly the CXS (MSRP $37,275, Invoice $35,267). Both the CS and CXL come a 197-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine, and the CXS has a 275-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8. It competes with the Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac CTS AWD.
Buick is one of the oldest automotive brands in the U.S., dating back to 1903. The company was founded by David Dunbar Buick. Buick was a Scottish-American industrialist and automotive innovator who invented the overhead valve engine. The company was purchased by William C. Durant in 1904, which he turned into the largest automaker in American. The profits were used to acquire other firms, which ultimately became General Motors.
1920s, when it was able to successfully adapt the use of four-wheel brakes to mass-produced vehicles.
A look at Buick's reliability ratings from ConsumerReports.org show that the Buick LaCrosse full-size sedan received mixed ratings for year 2007 (major redesign year was 2005), having garnered Excellent ratings for its engine, transmission, drive, fuel, and climate systems, suspension, brakes, exhaust, paint and trim, and power equipment trouble spots; Very Good ratings for its electrical equipment and body hardware; Fair ratings for its audio system; and Poor ratings for its squeaks and rattles trouble spots.
Buicks are equipped with a variety of safety and security features, and have been tested and proven safe. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that the 2008 the Buick Lucerne received five stars out of five in frontal crash tests, four stars out of five in side crash tests, and five stars out of five in rollover tests. The Buick Enclave SUV received five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests and four stars out of five in rollover tests.
Those considering buying Buicks may choose from a range of options, features and accessories to customize their car.
Buick's headquarters are located in Detroit, Michigan and their cars and SUVs are built in the United States, Canada, China, and in Spain; and sold in North America, China, Taiwan, and Israel. [1]. Buick describes its "tradition of innovation" through vehicles that "make up the new generation of Buick, sharing meticulously crafted elegance, stunning technological innovations, and reassuring comfort and safety." [2]
Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Buick car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.